A Frigid Opportunity

Frozen soils after a recent cold spell transforms roughs and fairways into highways that can support heavy equipment needed to remove problematic trees from remote areas of the golf course.

No one can predict what impact several recent bouts of subzero weather will have on turf survival at golf facilities across the upper Midwest. Fortunately, many of the areas affected by extreme cold possess a fairly deep layer of snow cover to insulate the turf from rapid temperature extremes. A repeat of last year’s winter injury could cripple many financially challenged golf facilities that struggled to stay afloat in 2013.

Last year, cool spring weather hindered the recovery of turf damaged by winterkill until mid-summer while several golf facilities with heavily shaded sites experienced considerable damage that lingered well into late August and early September. The direct association between dense tree shade and agonizingly slow turf recovery was crystal clear, prompting many superintendents to vow to cut down the worst offenders this winter.

This winter is upon us, so it will be difficult to use the excuse of a mild weather and soft, mushy ground to put off tree removal for another year. Considering the current temperatures, it is prime time to purchase a few gallons of winter-weight bar oil for the chain saws and start the process of removing problematic trees. More sunlight will benefit the turf regardless of turf species or playing area. Furthermore, the benefits will last all season long. Make the most of a frigid opportunity.

The USGA and Chevron have committed to using the game of golf to encourage students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines.
This commitment has led to the creation of extensive golf-focused STEM teaching tools, and has resulted in charitable contributions to support golf-related
programs through Eagles for Education

At U.S. Open Championships the Chevron STEM ZONE™ is an interactive experience highlighting the science and math behind the game of golf through a variety of hands-on exhibits and experiments.

The partnership has also produced educational materials such as the Science of Golf video series and a nationally-distributed newspaper insert which are provided to teachers as tools to enhance existing curriculum in schools. These lessons teach the science behind the USGA’s equipment testing, handicapping, and agronomy efforts.

Rolex has been a longtime supporter of the USGA and salutes the sportsmanship and great traditions unique to the game. This support includes the Rules of Golf where Rolex has partnered with the USGA to ensure golfers understand and appreciate the game.

As the official timekeeper of the USGA and its championships, they also provide clocks throughout host sites for spectator convenience.

IBM provides the information technology to develop and host the U.S. Open’s official website, www.usopen.com, as well as the mobile apps and scoring systems for the three U.S. Open championships. These real-time technology solutions provide an enhanced experience for fans following the championship onsite and online.

For more information on IBM and the technology that powers the U.S. Open and businesses worldwide, visit http://www.usopen.com/IBM

Lexus

Lexus is committed to partnering with the USGA to deliver a best-in-class experience for the world’s best golfers by providing a fleet of courtesy luxury vehicles for all USGA Championships.

At each U.S. Open, Women’s Open and Senior Open, Lexus provides spectators with access to unique experiences ranging from the opportunity to have a picture taken with both the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open trophies to autograph signings with legendary Lexus Golf Ambassadors in the Lexus Performance Drive Pavilion.

Together, American Express and the USGA have been providing world-class service to golf fans since 2006. By creating interactive U.S. Open experiences both onsite and online, American Express enhances the USGA’s effort to make the game more accessible and enjoyable for fans.